I think cell phones leave a lot to be desired. I know not many people feel that way, but I think that realization is coming to the forefront.
For instance, schools are beginning to restrict cell phone usage by their students. Some doctor’s offices have signs that say “Please turn off your cell phone while in exam rooms.”
My church asks that cell phones be turned off during the service. Some people must be on their cell phone when this announcement is made because invariably, I hear cell phones ring during the consecration, the most holy part of the Mass. The man who always sits in front of me wears his cell phone on his belt. He turns off the ring feature, but throughout the Mass the phone lights up every time he gets a call and he gets several during the service. I find it very annoying and I should sit elsewhere.
I also hate it when I go to a meeting and everyone, except me, reviews emails throughout the meeting. Then there are the times when I am going somewhere with a friend I haven’t seen for a while and we ride together in her car and she gets a call. She then spends the next ten to fifteen minutes talking on the car phone. I wanted to spend time with her, not listen to a phone call with her other friend.
In the past there was some concern that cell phones might cause brain cancer. Recently, on the internet, there was a warning that carrying your cell phone in your pants pocket may cause colon cancer.
I once had a job where I was on call 24 hours/day, seven days/week. I was “married” to a cell phone. When I retired, I couldn’t wait to return that phone. And no, I didn’t get one for my own use. I think this is the number one reason I hate cell phones.
I once tried to make an appointment with a new doctor. The receptionist would not make an appointment for me because I did not have a cell phone. Fine by me. The only thing I dislike more than cell phones is doctors, but I digress.
I do have a cell phone now, but only for emergency use. I rarely turn it on, never take it with me when I leave the house and half the time I don’t know where it is. I don’t give my number to other members of the clubs I belong to. Please don’t call me.
Years ago, during the boombox era, I gave talks on sensory overload. I should resurrect those notes and update the talk for cell phones.
June–How true. Well argued and entertaining.